Raheem Morris lays out plan at right tackle for Falcons against Bucs

Compared to the other options, Elijah Wilkinson does have some pretty lengthy experience. He’s played in 79 games over his eight-year career, 45 of which have been starts.

Most of that experience came early at right tackle, where he made 20 starts between 2018 and 2021. More recently, Wilkinson has transitioned inside to guard — a role that better suits his skill set. But with Atlanta’s depth tested and options thin, beggars can’t be choosers.

Wilkinson is now tasked with the most important job on the entire team: protecting the blindside of first year starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The hope is that, at the very least, he can hold up in pass protection, an area that wasn’t exactly Kaleb McGary’s strong suit.

If Wilkinson proves incapable, the Falcons could turn to a number of different faces. The previously mentioned Michael Jerrell could see playing time. The Falcons also signed Carter Warren and Ryan Hayes to their practice squad, adding to a group of Brandon Parker and Jack Nelson. Whoever proves they can hold up in pass protection the best will get the bulk of the playing time until Storm Norton returns, which could be after the team’s Week 5 bye.

In the end, this won’t fall solely on one lineman. It’s going to require a collective effort, with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson carrying just as much responsibility as the players. His game plans must account for protection breakdowns and put Penix in positions to succeed.